There was speculation that Southgate might strip Rooney of the armband after concerning pictures emerged of him during a late-night drinking session last month.

However, Southgate confirmed in his first press conference as permanent manager on Thursday that that won't be the case.

"Wayne Rooney is the England captain," Southgate said. "I have said that at the beginning of my interim period.

"I have only selected him to start two out of the of four matches we have had. It is not a case that Wayne expects to play every game. It is important we develop more leaders in that group, give other opportunities to lead."

Southgate gave his first press conference as England's permanent manager on Thursday (Photo: Michael Regan - The FA)

Southgate admitted there needs to be trust between himself and England's players after Rooney, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson hit the headlines for the wrong reasons during the most recent international break.

Like Rooney, Liverpool stars Lallana and Henderson were spared punishment by the FA after travelling to a Bournemouth strip club in between the matches against Scotland and Spain.

Southgate said: "Being an England player comes with additional responsibility. I don't think laying down the law is necessary with this group of players.

"There has to be respect and treat them as adults and there has to be trust between coach and players. There has to be guidelines but players have to take leadership in that."